Independent councillor, Michael O’Brien, has asked the council to introduce so-called ‘landmark frames’ in order to highlight Athlone’s many tourist attractions.

The landmark frame is a solid structure that acts like the frame of a painting, allowing people to stand in front of a particular scenic view for a stylised “portrait” photo. These frames can be positioned to incorporate landmarks such as Athlone Castle - an added feature can be a brief description and history of the attraction in question under the base of the frame.

Cllr O’Brien told the chamber that the frames are currently in use in towns and cities around the world and that they are simple and economical to introduce.

Mayor of Athlone, Aengus O’Rourke (FF ), said he is in favour of anything that can enhance the tourism potential of Athlone. He added that in this era of mobile devices tourists always have their cameras at the ready, and that this idea can feed into that.

The matter will be referred to the Planning Department and the heritage officer, and thereafter a report and recommendation will be issued to councillors.